Arakkal Museum

Arakkal Museum: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance in Kannur

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Arakkal Museum, located in Kannur, Kerala, is a vital heritage site offering an in-depth look at the region’s only Muslim royal family—the Arakkal dynasty. Housed within the ancestral Arakkal Palace (Arakkal Kettu), the museum immerses visitors in centuries of royal history, maritime prowess, and the unique blend of Islamic and Kerala traditions. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the museum’s historical significance, architectural features, key exhibits, practical visitor information, and travel tips to help you plan an enriching visit.

Introduction
History and Cultural Significance
Architectural Features
Exhibits and Thematic Galleries
Visiting Hours and Tickets
Accessibility and Guided Tours
How to Reach
Best Time to Visit
Nearby Attractions
Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Visuals and Media
Related Articles and Further Reading
Conclusion
Sources

History and Cultural Significance

The Arakkal dynasty’s roots trace back to the 15th century and are intimately tied to both Kerala’s matrilineal customs and Islamic traditions. The Arakkal family, known as Ali Rajas and Arakkal Beevis, controlled trade routes on the Malabar coast and the Lakshadweep Islands, making significant contributions to regional politics and commerce.

Unlike most Muslim royal houses, succession in the Arakkal dynasty followed a matrilineal system (marumakkathayam), where lineage passed through the female line—a reflection of Kerala’s unique cultural synthesis. Their history is marked by resistance and negotiation with colonial powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. The dynasty’s enduring legacy is preserved through artifacts, documents, and the very architecture of their ancestral palace.

Architectural Features

Arakkal Kettu—the palace complex—exemplifies traditional Kerala architecture, characterized by:

Laterite Stone & Teakwood Construction: Durable and suited to the coastal climate, featuring intricate wooden carvings and spacious verandahs.
Sloping Tiled Roofs: Designed to withstand heavy monsoon rains.
Distinctive Layout: Includes the Durbar Hall, administrative blocks, residential quarters, and four surrounding mosques.
Colonial Influences: Seen in the bell tower and administrative offices, reflecting interactions with European powers.

The palace itself is a living exhibit, showcasing the architectural and cultural amalgamation of Islamic and indigenous Kerala styles (Kerala Tourism; TravelTriangle).

Exhibits and Thematic Galleries

The museum’s galleries are thematically organized to narrate the Arakkal dynasty’s story through:

Royal Regalia: Crowns, ceremonial swords, daggers, royal seals, and robes.
Maritime Heritage: Navigational instruments, ship models, imported porcelain, and ancient maps reflecting trade and naval dominance.
Administrative Records: Palm-leaf manuscripts, royal decrees, tax records, and correspondence in Malayalam, Arabic, and Persian.
Household Items: Antique furniture, brass and copper utensils, grain storage chests, and ornate hookahs.
Religious and Cultural Artifacts: Prayer rugs, Quranic manuscripts, ceremonial banners, and musical instruments.
Portraits and Archives: Oil paintings, black-and-white photographs, and biographical notes of the Arakkal rulers.
Arms and Armor: Swords, shields, muskets, cannons, uniforms, and medals.
Numismatic and Philatelic Collections: Coins, foreign currency, postage stamps, and official correspondence.

These exhibits collectively offer a vivid insight into the dynasty’s governance, culture, and daily life (Kerala Museums; The Hindu).

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays and public holidays (Holidify).
Entry Fee:
- Adults: INR 20
- Children: INR 10
- Foreign Tourists: INR 100
- Camera Fee: INR 25
Tickets: Available only at the museum entrance (offline). Group bookings and guided tours can be arranged by contacting the museum office or DTPC Kannur.

Accessibility and Guided Tours

Wheelchair Access: Available at the entrance and select exhibit areas, though some sections may be less accessible due to heritage building design.
Guided Tours: Offered on request and highly recommended for deeper historical context. Advance booking is advisable, especially for groups.

How to Reach

By Air: Kannur International Airport (approx. 27 km away).
By Train: Kannur Railway Station (approx. 3 km).
By Road: Easily accessible by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local bus from Kannur town. Nearby parking is limited—arrive early on peak days (Trawell.in).

Best Time to Visit

Ideal Season: October to March, during cooler, drier weather.
Recommended Duration: 1–2 hours for a thorough exploration (TripHobo).

Nearby Attractions

St. Angelo Fort: Portuguese fort, 2 km from the museum.
Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach: India’s longest drive-in beach, about 15 km away.
Kannur Lighthouse and Payyambalam Beach: Popular for scenic views.
Thalassery Fort: Colonial fort, around 20 km from Kannur.

Combine your museum visit with these sites for a comprehensive tour of Kannur’s historical landscape (eIndiaTourism).

Visitor Tips

Verify Timings and Fees: Schedules and prices may change; check in advance.
Dress Code: Modest attire recommended due to the cultural and religious nature of the site.
Photography: Allowed with a camera fee; flash may be restricted.
Facilities: Basic restrooms available; seating areas inside exhibit halls.
Accessibility: Some uneven surfaces due to heritage building features.
Peak Hours: Late morning or early afternoon is ideal to avoid crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the Arakkal Museum visiting hours?
A: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays and public holidays.

Q: How can I buy tickets?
A: Tickets are sold at the entrance; no online booking currently.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Partially—access at the entrance and some areas; some sections may be difficult to navigate.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, on request and recommended for historical insights.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Yes, with a camera fee; flash restrictions apply.

Q: What are other nearby attractions?
A: St. Angelo Fort, Muzhappilangad Beach, Kannur Lighthouse, and Thalassery Fort.

Visuals and Media

On-site: Detailed signage, artifact descriptions, and alt text on images for accessibility.
Online: Virtual tours and high-quality images available on Kerala Tourism.
Suggested Photos: Exterior of the palace, Durbar Hall, stained-glass windows, maritime artifacts, and royal regalia.

DTPC Kannur – Arakkal Kettu Museum

Conclusion

The Arakkal Museum is a cornerstone of Kannur’s cultural and historical landscape, preserving the legacy of Kerala’s only Muslim royal dynasty. Through its meticulously curated exhibits and beautifully restored palace, the museum offers invaluable insights into the region’s pluralistic heritage. With convenient visiting hours, affordable entry, and guided tours, the museum is an essential stop for history enthusiasts, families, and cultural travelers alike.

Plan your visit today and discover the rich legacy of the Arakkal dynasty. For more travel inspiration and digital tours, download the Audiala app and follow us on social media for updates on heritage events across Kerala.